Estimate Influenza Vaccination Coverage Research Articles

The coverage of influenza vaccination and predictors of influenza non-vaccination in Danish cancer patients: A nationwide register-based cohort study

BackgroundInfluenza vaccination is recommended and provided free-of-charge to Danish citizens aged ≥65 years and to individuals with acquired immunodeficiency. We aimed to estimate influenza vaccination coverage and investigate predictors of influenza non-vaccination in Danish cancer patients. MethodsA nationwide cohort study of all Danish citizens aged ≥18 years with an incident cancer diagnosis between 2002 and 2017. Using national registries, we assessed information on influenza vaccination and potential predictors of influenza non-vaccination. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of influenza non-vaccination for patients aged <65 years and ≥65 years. ResultsWe observed 269,863 patients during 840,876 influenza vaccination seasons. The influenza vaccination coverage was 14 % for cancer patients <65 years and 51 % for those ≥65 years. No influenza vaccination in the previous season was associated with non-vaccination in the current season (<65 years: aPR = 2.75, 95 %CI = 2.71–2.80; ≥65 years: aPR = 5.15, 95 %CI = 5.10–5.21). Haematological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy had lower vaccination prevalence compared with those not receiving chemotherapy. ConclusionsThe influenza vaccination coverage was low among cancer patients. Influenza non-vaccination in the previous season was the strongest predictor of not receiving influenza vaccination in the current season. Haematological cancer patients on current chemotherapy had lower vaccination prevalence than those not currently receiving chemotherapy.

Influenza vaccine coverage among healthcare workers: A cluster analysis from a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesInfluenza vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers (HCWs). However, in a 1500-bed tertiary care university hospital in France, influenza vaccine coverage among HCWs was 23% in 2017. Patients and methodsWe performed a cross-sectional study between 05/09/2018 and 25/09/2018 among HCWs, randomly selected independent of their vaccination status, to estimate influenza vaccination coverage rate during the 2017–2018 season, and explore factors influencing vaccination, using a questionnaire. Multivariable regression analysis to assess factors associated with vaccine uptake and hierarchical clustering on principal components to identify HCW profiles regarding factors influencing vaccine uptake, were performed after multiple imputation. Results977 HCWs were included (68% participation rate), primarily females (84%), nurses (38%) of 18–39 years old. Influenza vaccination coverage rate reached 33[30-36]%. Frequent vaccination (aOR 39.27[21.52–74.51]) and personal/family medical history of influenza (aOR 3.33[1.16–10.02]) were independently associated with vaccination. In HCWs’ patterns of influenza vaccination status, three clusters were identified: 1) (n = 438) mostly vaccinated (70%); 2) (n = 507) most unvaccinated (97%); and 3) (n = 32) unvaccinated HCWs lacking knowledge on influenza and influenza vaccine.Among the 148 (15%) HCWs reluctant to receive the vaccine the following year, 23 (16%) received it for the 2017–2018 season, while 125 (84%) did not, mostly stating they had doubts about the vaccine (82%). ConclusionThis work identifies determinants of vaccine uptake and highlights HCWs profiles associated with factors influencing vaccination and a subgroup of HCWs flexible about having the vaccine during the upcoming seasonal campaign. This result opens up perspectives toward improved vaccination coverage among HCWs.

Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel - United States, 2021-22.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC recommend that all health care personnel (HCP) receive annual influenza vaccination to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality among these personnel and their patients (1). ACIP also recommends that all persons aged ≥6 months, including HCP, be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines and remain up to date (2,3). During March 29-April 19, 2022, CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 3,618 U.S. HCP to estimate influenza vaccination coverage during the 2021-22 influenza season as well as receipt of the primary COVID-19 vaccination series and a booster dose. Influenza vaccination coverage was 79.9% during the 2021-22 season, and 87.3% of HCP reported having completed the primary COVID-19 vaccination series; among these HCP, 67.1% reported receiving a COVID-19 booster dose. Among HCP, influenza, COVID-19 primary series, and COVID-19 booster dose vaccination coverage were lowest among assistants and aides, those working in long-term care (LTC) or home health care settings, and those whose employer neither required nor recommended the vaccines. Overall, employer requirements for influenza and COVID-19 primary series vaccines were reported by 43.9% and 59.9% of HCP, respectively; among HCP who completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, 23.5% reported employer requirements for COVID-19 booster vaccines. Vaccination coverage for all three vaccine measures was higher among HCP who reported employer vaccination requirements and ranged from 95.8% to 97.3% for influenza, 90.2% to 95.1% for COVID-19 primary series, and 76.4% to 87.8% for COVID-19 booster vaccinations among HCP who completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, by work setting. Implementing workplace strategies demonstrated to improve vaccination coverage among HCP, including vaccination requirements or active promotion of vaccination, can increase influenza and COVID-19 vaccination coverage among HCP and reduce influenza and COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality among HCP and their patients (4).

Influenza vaccination coverage of professionals working in nursing homes in France and related determinants, 2018–2019 season: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe burden of influenza morbidity and mortality in nursing homes (NH) is high. Vaccination of residents and professionals working in NH is the main prevention strategy. Despite recommendations, vaccination coverage among professionals is generally low.MethodsWe performed a nationwide cross-sectional survey of NH using a single-stage stratified random sampling design to estimate influenza vaccination coverage in NH healthcare workers (HCW) and non-medical professionals in France during the 2018–2019 season, and to identify measures likely to increase it. For each NH, a questionnaire was completed with aggregated data by one member of the management team. A multivariate analysis was performed using a negative binomial regression.ResultsFive-hundred and eighty nine NH filled in the study questionnaire (response rate: 49.5%). When considering all professionals (i.e., HCW and non-medical professionals), overall vaccination coverage was 30.6% (95%CI [28.2–33.0], range: 1.6–96.2). Overall influenza vaccination coverage in HCW was 31.9% [29.7–34.1]. It varied according to occupational category: 75.5% [69.3–81.7] for physicians, 42.9% [39.4–46.4] for nurses, 26.7% [24.5–29.0] for nursing assistants, and 34.0% [30.1–38.0] for other paramedical personnel. Vaccination coverage was higher i) in private nursing homes (RRa: 1.3, [1.1–1.5]), ii) in small nursing homes (0.9 [0.8–0.9]), iii) when vaccination was offered free of charge (1.4, [1.1–1.8]), iv) when vaccination promotion for professionals included individual (1.6 [1.1–2.1]) or collective (1.3 [1.1–1.5]) information sessions, videos or games (1.4 [1.2–1.6], v) when information on influenza vaccines was provided (1.2 [1.0–1.3], and finally, vi) when a vaccination point of contact—defined as an HCW who could provide reliable information on vaccination—was nominated within the nursing home (1.7 [1.3–2.2]).ConclusionsUrgent and innovative actions are required to increase coverage in HCW. Vaccination programmes should include free on-site vaccination and education campaigns, and particularly target nursing assistants. The results of this nationwide study provide keys for improving influenza vaccination coverage in HCW. Programmes should ensure that information on influenza vaccines is provided by a vaccination point of contact in NH using attractive media. Combining the different prevention measures proposed could increase coverage in NH nationwide by over 50%.

Association of vaccine awareness and confidence on the influenza vaccination status of Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia residents

ABSTRACT While the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has made seasonal influenza vaccination available for several years, there remains a scarcity of vaccination coverage reports outside of the capital city. Understanding factors that affect vaccine uptake is important in developing strategies to improve coverage. This analytic cross-sectional study utilized data from 1377 adult residents randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure from the three administrative sectors of Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Estimates of influenza vaccine coverage were determined for various demographic groups. Logistic regression was applied to determine the associations among the respondents’ awareness on influenza vaccination services, their confidence on the influenza vaccine efficacy and safety and their vaccination status. The estimated influenza vaccination coverage was 44.15% (95% CI = 41.55; 46.79). The proportion of residents who received the influenza vaccine differed between demographic groups. Al Ahsa residents who were aware that influenza vaccine is available and those who were aware that it is available for free were 2.7 and 6.3 times more likely to be immunized (p < .001) compared to those who were unaware. Residents who were confident that it is effective in preventing influenza and its complications were 3.6 times more like to be vaccinated while those who were confident that the vaccine is safe were 4.5 times more likely to be immunized (p < .001). Seasonal influenza coverage in Al Ahsa remains low despite the availability of free immunization in the government health facilities. Awareness about vaccine availability and confidence in vaccine efficacy and safety were important determinants of vaccination status.

Using general practice data to monitor influenza vaccination coverage in the medically at risk: a data linkage study

ObjectiveTo examine the possibility of using data from a network of Australian General Practices (GPs) to estimate influenza vaccination coverage in Australians medically at risk.DesignData electronically extracted from a large...

Glycaemic control, antidiabetic medications and influenza vaccination coverage among patients with diabetes in Udine, Italy

The objectives of this study were to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among patients with diabetes mellitus in an Italian 250 000-inhabitant area in the 2017–2018 season and to assess whether...

Association between patient reminders and influenza vaccination status among children

BackgroundPatient reminders are recommended to increase vaccination rates. The objectives of this study were to estimate the percentage of children 6 months–17 years for whom a patient reminder for influenza vaccination was received by a child’s parent or guardian, estimate influenza vaccination coverage by receipt of a patient reminder, and identify factors associated with receipt of a patient reminder. MethodsNational Immunization Survey-Flu (NIS-Flu) data for the 2013–14 influenza season were analyzed. Tests of association between patient reminders and demographic characteristics were conducted using Wald chi-square tests and pairwise comparison t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine variables independently associated with receiving a patient reminder. ResultsApproximately 22% of children had a parent or guardian report receiving a patient reminder for influenza vaccination for their child, ranging from 12.9% in Idaho to 41.2% in Mississippi. Children with a patient reminder were more likely to be vaccinated compared with children without a patient reminder (73.7% versus 55.5%). In the multivariable model, reminder receipt was higher for children 6–23 months compared with children 13–17 years, black children compared with white children, and children whose parent completed the survey in English compared with children whose parent completed the survey in a language other than English or Spanish. ConclusionsAlthough patient reminders are associated with a higher likelihood of influenza vaccination, nationally, less than one-fourth of children had a parent report receiving one. Despite being based on parental report, with its limitations, this study suggests that increasing the number of parents who receive patient reminders for their children may improve vaccination coverage among children.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel - United States, 2017-18 Influenza Season.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all health care personnel receive an annual influenza vaccination to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality among health care personnel and their patients and to reduce absenteeism among health care personnel (1-4). CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 2,265 U.S. health care personnel to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among these persons during the 2017-18 influenza season. Overall, 78.4% of health care personnel reported receiving influenza vaccination during the 2017-18 season, similar to reported coverage in the previous four influenza seasons (5). As in previous seasons, coverage was highest among personnel who were required by their employer to be vaccinated (94.8%) and lowest among those working in settings where vaccination was not required, promoted, or offered on-site (47.6%). Health care personnel working in long-term care settings, the majority of whom work as assistants or aides, have lower influenza vaccination coverage than do health care personnel working in all other health care settings, which puts the elderly in long-term settings at increased risk for severe complications for influenza. Implementing workplace strategies shown to improve vaccination coverage among health care personnel, including vaccination requirements and active promotion of on-site vaccinations at no cost, can help ensure health care personnel and patients are protected against influenza (6). CDC's long-term care web-based toolkit* provides resources, strategies, and educational materials for increasing influenza vaccination among health care personnel in long-term care settings.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel - United States, 2016-17 Influenza Season.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all health care personnel (HCP) receive an annual influenza vaccination to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality among HCP and their patients and to reduce absenteeism among HCP (1-4). To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among HCP in the United States during the 2016-17 influenza season, CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 2,438 HCP. Overall, 78.6% of survey respondents reported receiving vaccination during the 2016-17 season, similar to reported coverage in the previous three influenza seasons (5). Vaccination coverage continued to be higher among HCP working in hospitals (92.3%) and lower among HCP working in ambulatory (76.1%) and long-term care (LTC) (68.0%) settings. As in previous seasons, coverage was highest among HCP who were required by their employer to be vaccinated (96.7%) and lowest among HCP working in settings where vaccination was not required, promoted, or offered on-site (45.8%). Implementing workplace strategies found to improve vaccination coverage among HCP, including vaccination requirements or active promotion of on-site vaccinations at no cost, can help ensure that HCP and patients are protected against influenza (6).

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel - United States, 2015-16 Influenza Season.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends annual influenza vaccination for all health care personnel to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality among both health care personnel and their patients (1-4). To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among U.S. health care personnel for the 2015-16 influenza season, CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 2,258 health care personnel during March 28-April 14, 2016. Overall, 79.0% of survey participants reported receiving an influenza vaccination during the 2015-16 season, similar to the 77.3% coverage reported for the 2014-15 season (5). Coverage in long-term care settings increased by 5.3 percentage points compared with the previous season. Vaccination coverage continued to be higher among health care personnel working in hospitals (91.2%) and lower among health care personnel working in ambulatory (79.8%) and long-term care settings (69.2%). Coverage continued to be highest among physicians (95.6%) and lowest among assistants and aides (64.1%), and highest overall among health care personnel who were required by their employer to be vaccinated (96.5%). Among health care personnel working in settings where vaccination was neither required, promoted, nor offered onsite, vaccination coverage continued to be low (44.9%). An increased percentage of health care personnel reporting a vaccination requirement or onsite vaccination availability compared with earlier influenza seasons might have contributed to the overall increase in vaccination coverage during the past 6 influenza seasons.

Cobertura de vacunación antigripal entre profesionales sanitarios de una zona básica de salud

IntroductionInfluenza vaccination is indicated for the health care workers due to 3 reasons: to prevent disease, to prevent transmission to patients, and to prevent absenteeism. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage among health care workers is unknown in our country. The aim of this study is to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among health care workers in a basic health area of Valencia. MethodsThis observational, descriptive and transversal study was carried out among all health workers of Primary Care Health District 14, Health Department Xativa-Ontinyent. The sample coincides with the study population, since it includes all workers. Data were obtained from the nominal immunization records of the Department of Health of Valencia during 4 seasons (2011-2012 to 2014-2015) and they were categorized by vaccination status, sex, age and occupational category. Absolute and relative frequencies to each of the values of the qualitative variables were calculated. The mean and standard deviation was used for quantitative variables. ResultsThe overall influenza vaccination coverage throughout the study period was 30.3%. Vaccination coverage was higher among physicians (44.4%), among men (38.5%), and among those over 50 years (34.4%). ConclusionsThe rate of vaccination coverage against influenza in our country is low.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Health Care Personnel--United States, 2014-15 Influenza Season.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends annual influenza vaccination for all health care personnel (HCP) to reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality among both HCP and their patients and to decrease absenteeism among HCP. To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among U.S. HCP for the 2014–15 influenza season, CDC conducted an opt-in Internet panel survey of 1,914 HCP during March 31–April 15, 2015. Overall, 77.3% of HCP survey participants reported receiving an influenza vaccination during the 2014–15 season, similar to the 75.2% coverage among HCP reported for the 2013–14 season. Vaccination coverage was highest among HCP working in hospitals (90.4%) and lowest among HCP working in long-term care (LTC) settings (63.9%). By occupation, coverage was highest among pharmacists (95.3%) and lowest among assistants and aides (64.4%). Influenza vaccination coverage was highest among HCP who were required by their employer to be vaccinated (96.0%). Among HCP without an employer requirement for vaccination, coverage was higher for HCP working in settings where vaccination was offered on-site at no cost for 1 day (73.6%) or multiple days (83.9%) and lowest among HCP working in settings where vaccine was neither required, promoted, nor offered on-site (44.0%). Comprehensive vaccination strategies that include making vaccine available at no cost at the workplace along with active promotion of vaccination might help increase vaccination coverage among HCP and reduce the risk for influenza to HCP and their patients.

Influenza vaccination coverage among adult survivors of pediatric cancer.

A large proportion of long-term survivors of childhood cancer have treatment-related adverse cardiac and pulmonary late-effects, with related mortality. Consequently, this population of approximately 379,000 individuals in the U.S. is at high risk of complications from influenza infections. To estimate influenza vaccination coverage overall and among subgroups of adult survivors of pediatric cancer aged 18-64 years and to compare coverage with the general adult U.S. population. Data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed in 2013 using binomial regression to estimate influenza vaccination coverage differences (CDs) and corresponding 95% confidence limits (CLs) between adult survivors of pediatric cancer and the general U.S. population. Analyses were stratified by demographic characteristics and adjusted for design effects, non-coverage, and non-response. Influenza vaccination coverage was 37% for adult pediatric cancer survivors overall and 31% for the general adult U.S. population (CD=6.3%, 95% CL=0.04%, 13%). Dramatically lower coverage was observed for non-Hispanic black survivors (6%) than for non-Hispanic blacks in the general U.S. population (26%; CD=-18%, 95% CL=-25%, -11%). Although influenza vaccination coverage was modestly higher among adult survivors of pediatric cancer than the general U.S. population, coverage was less than desirable for a population with a high prevalence of cardiopulmonary conditions and early mortality, and far lower than the Healthy People 2010 goal of 60% or Healthy People 2020 goal of 80% for the general population.

A comparison of parent and provider reported influenza vaccination status of adolescents

ObjectiveTo compare parent and provider reported influenza vaccination status among adolescents. MethodsData from the 2009 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) were analyzed. The NIS-Teen is a nationally representative random-digit-dialed telephone survey of households with adolescents 13–17years at the time of interview, followed by a mail survey to the adolescent's vaccination providers to obtain provider-reported vaccination histories. During the interview a parent or guardian was asked if the adolescent had received an influenza vaccination and whether their response was based upon recall only or from consulting a parent-held vaccination record (i.e., shot card) with recall of additional vaccinations not recorded on the shot card. Parent-reported influenza vaccination status was compared with provider-reported vaccination status by calculating various validity measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PPV], negative predictive value [NPV], and kappa), overall and stratified by several demographic characteristics. In the main analysis, provider-reported vaccinations were considered the gold standard. To evaluate the completeness of provider-reporting, we conducted additional analysis that also considered vaccinations reported by parents from the shot card or reported received in a non-medical setting as “true” vaccinations. ResultsDuring the 2008–2009 season, influenza vaccination coverage among adolescents based on provider report was 11.3%. Based on parent report, influenza vaccination coverage was 21.7%. Twenty-two percent of parents retrieved and referred to a shot card during the interview. In the shot card group, provider versus parent reported coverage was 12.5% versus 18.2% while among the recall only group coverage was 10.9% versus 22.7%, respectively. Overall, compared to provider report as the gold standard, parental report of influenza vaccination had a sensitivity of 86.7%, a specificity of 86.2%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 43.1%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.0%. Among the shot card group, of vaccinations reported either by provider or by parent reading vaccination off shot card, only 66% were reported by providers. In the shot card group, the “true” vaccination level (16–17%) was closer to the parent reported coverage when it was assumed that vaccinations read by the parent from a shot card but not reported by a provider were considered true vaccinations. Overall, assuming that providers reported 64% of “true” vaccinations, sensitivity increased to 91%, specificity to 93%, and PPV to 71%. ConclusionsOverall estimated influenza vaccination coverage was more than ten percentage points higher based on parental report than on provider report, with the difference between provider and parent report greater among the recall only group. The two estimates are closer for those with shot cards, but few parents utilized shot cards in our study and most national surveys do not ask parents to consult shot cards when responding about their adolescent's vaccination. The actual vaccination coverage of adolescents studied is likely between coverage estimates obtained from parent report and provider report.

Coverage and predictors of influenza vaccine uptake among adults aged 16 to 59 years suffering from a chronic condition in Madrid, Spain

Based on data drawn from the 2007 Madrid Regional Health Survey (MRHS), we sought to: estimate influenza vaccination coverage among people ages 16–59 years old suffering from chronic conditions (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, kidney diseases, malignant neoplasm and fibromyalgia) living in the region of Madrid and to determine which socio-demographic and health-related variables were associated with the likelihood of being vaccinated.We analyzed data from 8,337 subjects. The reply to the question “Were you vaccinated against influenza in the last vaccination campaign?” was taken as the dependent variable. Coverage was calculated for different specific diseases that constitute an indication for vaccination. Independent variables included socio-demographics, health-related and use of health care services variables.The proportion of vaccinated adults suffering from any chronic condition in 2007 was 23.5%. Very low coverages were found among kidney diseases (16.1%), malignant neoplasm (10.9%) and fibromyalgia (14.2%) sufferers. The variables which increased the likelihood of being vaccinated among adults suffering any chronic condition were: higher age, being Spanish, absence of a smoking habit and having primary studies.We conclude that influenza vaccination coverage among people living in Madrid and suffering from a chronic condition is unacceptably low, thereby making it necessary for strategies to be urgently implemented aimed at improving the use of influenza vaccine.

Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among US Nursing Home Nursing Assistants: The Role of Working Conditions

To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among nursing assistants (NAs) working in US nursing homes, and to identify demographic and occupational predictors of vaccination status among NAs. Cross-sectional analysis of data on 2873 NAs from the 2004 National Nursing Assistant Survey. Multivariable-adjusted vaccination coverage (prevalence) ratios for demographic and occupational characteristics were calculated using Poisson regression. Outcome variable was NAs' influenza vaccination status, yes or no, based on the question, "During the past 12 months, did you receive a flu shot?" Coverage for all NAs working in US nursing homes was estimated to be 37.1%. NAs 45 or older were more likely to be vaccinated than younger NAs (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.41). Significant negative associations with vaccination status were found for NAs who were non-Hispanic blacks (PR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.97), disagreed that they were respected/rewarded for their work (PR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.71-1.00), worked at for-profit facilities (PR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.95), and reported receiving fewer than 7 of 15 nonwage job benefits (PR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67-0.90). Influenza coverage among nursing home NAs appears to be similar to nationally reported coverage estimates among health care providers in the United States in general. In addition to individual characteristics, occupational characteristics reflective of working conditions are associated with vaccination status among NAs, suggesting that further research into these types of associations may be useful in identifying which institutions may benefit from outreach efforts and types of interventions to increase vaccination coverage.

Influenza vaccination coverage of healthcare workers and residents and their determinants in nursing homes for elderly people in France: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundNursing home residents bear a substantial burden of influenza morbidity and mortality. Vaccination of residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) is the main strategy for prevention. Despite recommendations, influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs remains generally low.MethodsDuring the 2007-2008 influenza season, we conducted a nationwide survey to estimate influenza vaccination coverage of HCWs and residents in nursing homes for elderly people in France and to identify determinants of vaccination rates. Multivariate analysis were performed with a negative binomial regression.ResultsInfluenza vaccination coverage rates were 33.6% (95% CI: 31.9-35.4) for HCWs and 91% (95% CI: 90-92) for residents. Influenza vaccination uptake of HCWs varied by occupational category. Higher vaccination coverage was found in private elderly care residences, when free vaccination was offered (RR: 1.89, 1.35-2.64), in small nursing homes (RR: 1.54, 1.31-1.81) and when training sessions and staff meetings on influenza were organized (RR: 1.20, 1.11-1.29). The analysis by occupational category showed that some determinants were shared by all categories of professionals (type of nursing homes, organization of training and staff meetings on influenza). Higher influenza vaccination coverage was found when free vaccination was offered to recreational, cleaning, administrative staff, nurses and nurse assistants, but not for physicians.ConclusionsThis nationwide study assessed for the first time the rate of influenza vaccination among residents and HCWs in nursing homes for elderly in France. Better communication on the current recommendations regarding influenza vaccination is needed to increase compliance of HCWs. Vaccination programmes should include free vaccination and education campaigns targeting in priority nurses and nurse assistants.

Impact of a school-based influenza immunization program on disease burden: Comparison of two Tennessee counties

Outpatient burden of laboratory-confirmed influenza among children in Knox and Davidson Counties was compared in 2006–2007 when only Knox County had a school-based influenza vaccine campaign. Of 1016 eligible children seeking outpatient care, 87% were enrolled and 20% were influenza-positive. Estimated influenza vaccination coverage was similar in Knox and Davidson for preschool-age children (36% versus 33%) but higher in Knox County for school-age children (44% versus 12%). Influenza detection was higher among Knox than Davidson County preschool-age children (18% versus 10%) but similar among school-age children (28% versus 27%). These data are consistent with a direct effect of the campaign in school-age children.

Influenza vaccination rates in Ontario children: Implications for universal childhood vaccination policy

The aims of this study were to estimate influenza vaccination coverage for children during the 2006–2007 influenza season in Ontario, Canada, where universal vaccination is available, and to compare the rate among children aged 6–23 months with corresponding rates from other Canadian provinces that specifically target this high-risk group. We conducted a telephone survey of caregivers of children aged 6 months–11 years that included 4854 children from 3029 households. Ontario's vaccination rate (complete and partial coverage combined) for children aged 2–11 years was 28.3% (95% CI 26.3–30.5%) for healthy children and 36.8% (95% CI 31.4–42.5%) for those with chronic conditions. Immunization coverage of children aged 6–23 months was 24.0% (95% CI 20.6–27.7%) in Ontario, similar to Manitoba's rate of 24.1% but lower than rates in other provinces: Nova Scotia (35.5%), Quebec (41.8% for 1 year olds and 37.7% for 2 year olds during the 2005–2006 season), Saskatchewan (32.5%) and Alberta (52.2%). Universal vaccination in Ontario has achieved modest coverage in children aged 2–11 years, but has been less successful than targeted programs in vaccinating infants aged 6–23 months.